Monday, November 9, 2009

Have you been selected to do a job interview? Congrats, you have taken the first and maybe most important step. Now it’s important to prepare that interview in order to avoid any mistakes that could reduce your chances of getting that job.

In this post we're giving you some tips so that everything will turn out fine in your next job interview.

Don't drop a clanger: The interview process can be difficult enough without making it harder for yourself, so it's important to know how to keep clear of the pitfalls.

Your CV has been picked out of the pile and you have been called for an interview. Apart from researching the company involved, it's important to prepare by brushing up on your technique. Using too many clichés is a bad idea. Avoid using phrases like, 'I think…' or 'I suppose…' as this sounds too weak. Potential employers will be more impressed if you say, 'I am confident…', 'I can…' or 'I know...'

Don't apologise for any lack of skills or experience by saying, 'I am afraid that I only have…', 'I don't have much…'. Instead, highlight the positives you do have. When asked, 'What are your strengths?' do not say, 'I'm a good communicator and I like meeting people.' Interviewers will have heard this before. There are far more meaningful things that you can say to make you stand out. Similarly, when asked, 'What are your weaknesses?' don't opt for the 'I haven't got any' answer. Just as bad are, 'I am a perfectionist' or 'I am an over-worker'. These are over-used answers. Worse still is 'I don't suffer fools gladly'. Nobody likes name-dropping, so unless you are absolutely certain that this will assist you, try to avoid it.

No matter how much you hate your current job, do not make any negative reference to this, no matter how tempting it might be. Don't be over familiar with the interviewer but don't be weak. Make good eye contact and offer a strong handshake, but without staring the interviewer down or breaking every bone in their hand.

Finally, do not turn up for your interview without some practice – if you are getting married, you have a rehearsal, if you are acting in a play, you have many rehearsals and then a dress rehearsal, so give this occasion the time and effort it deserves.